Our Christmas in July Retreat

We had a brilliant time last Saturday with some amazing ladies at our first ever Christmas in July retreat.

Gail Pan joined us and kicked off our retreat on the Friday night with an up close and personal trunk show.  She spoke about how she got into designing, what inspires her, and why she does what she does.

 The ladies got to see first hand the amazingly beautiful work that Gail does.  They were also treated to a yummy supper of home made goodies such as, chocolate chip cookies, gingerbread cake, brownies with delicious chocolate ganache icing, oreo balls, and caramel slice.  Tea and brewed coffee coffee were on hand throughout the retreat, mmmmmmm, coffee.

Bright and early on Saturday morning I headed into the hall to get the final bits and pieces ready for the big day ahead.

The ladies started to arrive around 9:30 and we greeted by goodie bags, a couple of Elves and Mr Grinch. (I was in the kitchen getting the most important things ready - the FOOD!)

The first project that the ladies had a workshop on was a little stitchery.... just yummy :)

Morning tea arrived around 11.  A local baker named Lana the Cake Lady was sourced to make for us some lovely little cupcakes with a gorgeous little bird on each, kind of like Gail's stitcheries :)  After this little feed the ladies went back to more stitching.

Lunch was served around 1pm and this consisted of Spicy Pumpkin Soup, Country style chicken and vegetable soup with Crusty Bread and yummy creamy butter.  There was also a cheese, dip and fruit and nut platter to munch on. (I'm drooling just remembering all this).

Straight after lunch the ladies went back to their tables and were handed out the kits for the next workshop, a lovely needle turned applique wall hanging.

Afternoon tea (yes you read it correctly) was served around 3 and this consisted of peppermint slice, caramel slice, chocolate brownies, gingerbread cake and chocolate chip cookies.

During the day there was lots of sewing, lots of shopping and lots and lots of giggles and chit chat going on.  Here is a photo of myself with my GORGOUS head Elf for the day, Luisa.

Some ladies turned up on their own but made some lovely stitchery friends during the day and I

 hope they all keep in touch.

Around 5pm the ladies started to head off in all different directions to make their way back to their loved ones.

I enjoyed every single minute of the day, I was truly touched by all the lovely comments about the way it was organised and conducted.  As this was my first retreat I must say I was a bit nervous.....but there was no need to be and these women have inspired me to consider running many many more of these in the future.

Love and many blessings to you all,

Mrs C xxxx